SHERPA ASCENT INTERNATIONAL
is an adventure travel company that offers cultural tours, trekking,
mountain expeditions, river expeditions and mountain biking worldwide.
We are dedicated to seeking out the most spectacular destinations
and offering a wide range of adventure travel options.

Featured Expedition: Khumbu Trek, Island Peak Climb

Island
Peak expedition offers a unique chance for beginning mountaineers
to climb in a relatively lesser traveled region amidst the
mighty Himalayas. The summit of Island Peak stands adjacent
to one of the world's largest ice walls and offers stunning
views of Ama Dablam and the pyramid of Makalu.

This trip walks
us through the renowned Khumbu region. In the "land of the
Sherpa" we partake in Nepalese and Tibetan cultures as they
have existed for centuries. The Khumbu journey offers striking
scenery as we venture through unspoiled terrain.

Date:
September 27th-October 18th 2010

Pemba Sherpa, who grew up in the Khumbu in these Himalayan mountains as a child, and 12 CMC trip leader to Nepal, is returning to his homeland with a group of trekkers and climbers. He will lead the classic trek in the Everest region, including Chukkung ri, with an optional climb of Island Peak. In addition, all CMC trips spend a day visiting the village where Pemba grew up, and having dinner with Pemba's mother!

ITINERARY

Depart U.S. on Saturday, September 29, 2010. Return to
U.S. On Friday, October 19, 2010.

Day 1: Depart for Kathmandu.

Day 2: En route to Kathmandu.

Day 3: Arrival in Kathmandu. We will be met at the airport by Pemba's Kathmandu staff, who will escort us to our hotel. The group is then free to explore Kathmandu or relax from the long trip.

Day 4: Kathmandu Sightseeing. We have arranged for a private sightseeing tour of the mystical city of Kathmandu that includes the Buddhist shrines of Swayambunath (the famed monkey temple) and Bodhnath, as well as the Hindu funeral pyres of Pashupatinath. The evening is free to finish final packing arrangements.

Day 5: Kathmandu to Lukla and Phakding (8,661ft.). We fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (9,350ft.), and land on the memorable Lukla airstrip. We are then met by our trekking crew, and begin our trek by following Dudh Kosi River and traditional Sherpa villages to Phakding.

Day 6: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (11,319ft.). We’ll continue to move up the Dudh Kosi valley, past a waterfall at Benkar (2700m) and on the Chomoa. Magnificent forests of firs, rhododendrons and manolias grace much of this part of the trail. We drop to the Dudh Kosi to cross it and climb again to Jorsale (2850m) where we will enter the Sagarmatha National Park. After lunch at Jorsale, it’s all uphill to Namche, but our first views of Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse make the climb worth it!

Day 7: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar (11,319ft.). Acclimatization is critical before going higher, so you have the day to explore Namche Bazaar. Some members of the group may want to take a long acclimatization hike up to the monastery at Thame. We will also be here for the famous Saturday market, with many Tibetan, having crossed the Nangpa La, selling their wares.

Day 8: Namche Bazar to Khumjung (12200ft.). We’ll visit the market in morning and have a lunch in Namche Bazar after lunch we'll trek to famous Sherpa village Khumjung. We’ll camp near Hillary school.

Day 9: Khumjung to Tengboche (12,664ft.). It’s up to Punkitanga and then on to the famous monastery of Tengboche with its background of mountain peaks, including Ama Dablam and Everest. The original monastery burned down in 1988, but the new structure, built in 1990, is also striking. This still remains the largest and most active monastery in the Khumbu. We’ll camp near the monastery so you’ll have plenty of time to photograph and explore this beautiful site.

Day 10: Tengboche to Dingboche (14,271ft). We continue on the Dingboche, passing some small chhusas (yak herding stations) on the way. We'll visit the Himalayan Rescue Association post in Pheriche while acclimatizing.

Day 11: Dingboche to Chukung (15,507ft.). Today we have a beautiful walk to the village of Chukkung, with Lothse (and Chukkung ri) "leading the way".

Day 12: Chukung ri (18,283ft.). Return to Chukung (15,584ft.). Another day to trek higher and sleep lower. After breakfast we will climb Chukkung ri. This classic vantage point is superb for viewing Lhotse, Makalu, Island Peak and the high himal. We’ll return to Chukkung for a good night’s sleep.

Day 13: Chukung to Island Peak High Camp (18,200ft.). Those climbing Island Peak will head east to Island Peak base camp, and then continue up the endless switchbacks to high camp. Our tents will be firmly planted on a series of platforms, protected from the wind. The altitude will now be quite noticeable, so we will rest and drink plenty of fluids and preparation for the climb.

Day 14: Island Peak Climb (20,252ft.). Return to Chukung (15,584ft.). We begin with a predawn start, lighting our way by headlamp up the rocky trail. The trail is fun, at places requiring easy scrambling. We’ll enjoy a beautiful sunrise on the edge of the glacier as we don our crampons and climbing equipment and slowly climb up to the base of the headwall. From there, we will jumar up the steep, final pitch, and then cross the fantastic ridge to the summit (20,252ft.)!
Members of the group not climbing Island Peak today will travel to Lhotse glacier and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding himal.

Day 16: Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (11,319ft.). We'll continue to retrace our steps back to Namche.

Day 17: Namche Bazar to Sewangma (8,900 ft.). Today we descend down to Phakding, then cross the Dudh Kosi river to Sewangma, Pemba's boyhood village. This is an "off-the-beaten path" excursion where we will see no other tourists and will be welcomed by Pemba's family

Day 18: Sewangma to Lukla (9,350ft.). We will complete the trek in the village of Lukla, bustling with tourists, porters, and guides..

Day 19: Lukla to Kathmandu. We’ll catch an early morning flight on the memorable Lukla airstrip and return to the luxuries (e.g., hot showers) of Kathmandu!

Day 20: Kathmandu. An open day in Kathmandu to visit more of the temples, shop, and relax.

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
In addition to personal gear, you should bring a sleeping bag (rated 0 degrees or less), a daypack, and a large duffel bag with a double zipper that locks (for porters or yaks to carry with your personal gear). You will be provided with a two-person tent, full-length foam sleeping pad, all commissary gear, and eating/drinking utensils.
All personal gear, camp stools, folding tables, and dining tent are carried by porters and/or pack animals. Trekkers carry only a daypack with water bottles, camera, extra jacket, and items you may need during the course of the day. A full equipment list is provided after sign-up.

HEALTH
Immunizations will be necessary before leaving the United States. You and your doctor are responsible for determining what is necessary for you, although we will send a list of recommended vaccines. All cost for evacuation, hospitalization, and other medical expenses are the responsibility of the individual.

LEADERSHIP
Pemba Sherpa will organize and lead this trip. He grew up in the Khumbu in these Himalayan mountains as a child. He has been a guide throughout Nepal since 1986. He has lead over 20 trips to Nepal for the Colorado Mountain Club and the HEC, including Island Peak, Lobuche Peak, Chulu East, and Ama Dablam. He has lived in the Colorado since 1991, but spends four months a year guiding trips throughout the world.

QUALIFICATIONS

Participants should be strong, experienced hikers in good physical condition. Experience of ice and snow travel over glaciers is helpful, but not necessary. You must have the willingness to undergo the hardships of outdoor living and long days of strenuous hiking, often at high altitude, with a smile!